[Value of the prostatic puncture biopsy in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer. Apropos of 271 cases].

271 patients have been submitted to prostatic needle biopsy between january 1973 and september 1984. Sensitivity and specificity of transperineal prostatic biopsy for prostatic carcinoma are respectively 89% and 98%. Complications are met in 10% of these cases. Rectal examination has been compared to these results. Sensitivity is 75% and specificity 70%. Prostatic biopsy appears to be a good method for diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma but less effective than fine needle aspiration for cytologic examination.